Class Is in Session: The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy

There's a lot to be said for chasing the horizon in the saddle, with new riders often dreaming of a level of confidence that only comes from experience after finding the right Harley-Davidson for sale. This confidence isn't something you can rush or sidestep, nor is it something you can learn from a book or a YouTube video. It requires spending time behind the handlebars, but even that can be intimidating for a new rider that knows little about the joys of exploring the world on two wheels.

Harley-Davidson recognizes as much and offers a solution to level the playing field and give riders the tools they need to safely navigate the road at any skill level. That solution is the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy and motorcycle training that helps beginners and experienced riders alike. Even better, Republic Harley-Davidson offers these courses right here for riders in the Houston area.

Beginner Motorcycle Course

You're anxious to get in the saddle but don't know the first thing about motorcycles. The Harley-Davidson Beginner Motorcycle Course is the perfect starting point because it's designed to help you get comfortable around and on motorcycles. The first step to any ride is stepping over the bike and climbing in the saddle, but the Beginner Motorcycle Course goes even further with classroom lessons. The classroom section is vital because it walks you through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum, introducing you to motorcycle controls, the importance of proper riding gear, and riding etiquette.

After the classroom section, the course moves to real-world riding practice in a parking lot. Blocked off from traffic, this is a controlled environment where you can practice what you learned in the classroom and familiarize yourself with the bike. The first day of riding starts with the basics, like how to get on the motorcycle, start the engine, navigate it from one point to another, and turn off the engine. Then, as you master these skills, you'll learn the basics of how a manual transmission works, finding the sweet spot between the clutch, brakes, and throttle. 

With each exercise building on the other, the second range day introduces more riding-related skills. By now, you will have a good handle on balancing the bike and shifting gears, so coaches will work on cornering, braking, and swerving at higher speeds. These activities are designed to build your confidence in the saddle, ultimately leading to the final evaluation, where you're tested on everything you've learned. If you pass the test, the Texas Department of Public Safety will waive their Motorcycle Drive Test, making it easier to obtain your motorcycle license. 

What You'll Need

Once you are enrolled in the Beginner Motorcycle Course, we will contact you with more information about the course and the required items and gear. You'll need to set aside approximately three hours to complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic eCourse online before the first day of class. Once completed, you'll receive a certificate that you'll bring on the first day of class. You'll also need to bring your driver's license and dress appropriately for spending time in the saddle. This includes a motorcycle helmet, gloves, long pants, a long sleeve shirt or jacket, eye protection, and sturdy over-the-ankle boots.

Skilled Rider Course

Harley-Davidson recognizes the importance of constantly honing your skills in the saddle with classes like the Skilled Rider Course. This course is designed for licensed riders and is based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course 2. Upon successfully completing the course, you'll receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation completion card that can earn you a discount on your motorcycle insurance with most major providers. But what should you expect from the class?

Expect a full day of training regardless of the weather or conditions, so plan accordingly with rain gear and clothing you can layer. Throughout the course, you'll hone your risk management skills and learn to judge corners better. You'll also improve your control over the bike at low speeds and learn effective ways to maneuver in tight or limited spaces. The course also presents real-life challenges that encourage you to respond quickly and surmount unavoidable obstacles in your path. As a result, you'll learn how to swerve and stop in straightaways and curves and master how to navigate multiple turns. 

What You'll Need 

Preparing for this course takes a bit more planning since, unlike the beginner course, you'll be riding your own motorcycle. Before the first day of class, check your bike's tires, controls, lights, mirrors, stand, chassis, oil, and fluid levels to ensure everything is in proper working order. This assessment is critical since your bike must pass a pre-ride inspection on the first day of class. Beyond readying your bike for class, you'll also need protective gear. This includes over-the-ankle footwear, a long sleeve shirt, riding pants, motorcycle gloves, eye protection, and a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. 

Adventure Touring Rider Course 

Harley-Davidson recognizes the ever-growing segment of adventurous riders that prefer to chase the horizon from the saddle of an adventure touring bike. Those riders can reap the benefits of the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy with classes like the Adventure Touring Rider Course. This advanced course is designed for skilled riders with or without experience off the pavement, making it an excellent introduction for riders looking to take their adventure bike down the trail. 

This course is designed to give you the confidence to explore the unknown, teaching you critical off-the-pavement skills. For example, you'll learn how standing on your footpegs improves the bike's responsiveness in tight turns. You'll also gain insights into complex off-road skills, like how to steer with the rear wheel and the best ways to surmount obstacles and navigate uneven, slippery, or hilly terrain. 

What You'll Need 

You'll need an adventure touring bike like the Harley-Davidson Pan America or something comparable to complete the course. As with the Skilled Rider Course, your bike must be in good working order. You'll also need the appropriate gear, including a long sleeve shirt or jacket, riding pants, over-the-ankle boots, motorcycle gloves, and a DOT-approved helmet. Depending on your experience with this riding style, you may have specific Adventure Touring gear that's designed for this type of riding. While this gear is encouraged, it is not required for the class.

Knowledge Is Power

Harley-Davidson recognizes the importance of providing riders with ongoing learning opportunities that build confidence in the saddle and promote safe riding practices. The goal is simple: to help riders master the ways of the road and enjoy every minute spent on two wheels. This approach is at the core of the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy and represents the company's commitment to expanding the rider community. 

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy has something to offer regardless of your skill level or preferred riding style. From a beginner course that teaches the basics to an adventure touring course or an introduction to riding a trike, Harley-Davidson embodies the age-old truth that knowledge is power. In the motorcycle world, that knowledge comes from spending valuable time in the saddle. With the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy, you get both knowledge and saddle time in a laid-back environment that fosters confidence as you develop new skills.